Official Study Guide for Germany
Materials science
Engineers in this field research modern materials and corresponding materials in order to apply new and, in the best case, more sustainable technologies.
Overview of the academic discipline
Sharkskin, bioceramics, heat shields, stadium roof constructions or ultra-light car bodies - these are all topics that engineers in materials science have dealt with. When developing new materials, their aim is to improve properties in order to optimise products, production processes or technologies in terms of sustainability. For example, lightweight construction reduces energy consumption, while other new materials are biocompatible, recyclable and react intelligently to changes in operating conditions.
Materials scientists are also experts in the physical properties of long-proven materials. The classic material groups include metals, ceramics, glasses and polymers. In addition, there are material developments in the areas of composite materials, material mixtures, semiconductors, natural materials (bionics) and so-called ‘smart materials’, which can adapt independently to external influences.
Which topics are included in the curriculum?
In the first semesters, students receive a broad basic education in the mathematical, scientific and engineering subjects. These include mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics, materials chemistry, crystallography, materials science, materials engineering, materials processing and analytical methods. Depending on the choice of degree course, the focus varies from around the fourth semester onwards.
This is followed by modules on the theoretical, experimental and technological aspects of the individual materials as well as their production and processing. Students can often specialize in their individual study and career interests. Depending on the course of study, elective modules allow students to develop a profile that is distinctly career-oriented.
What are the requirements?
Depending on the university and previous education, pre-study internships may be necessary. Important school subjects include mathematics, chemistry and physics.
What study programmes are there to choose from?
The degree course in material technology and engineering focuses on the engineering aspects of the development, production, processing and recycling of all types of materials. Above all, it requires an interest in technology and an affinity for mathematical and scientific phenomena.
Materials science is more strongly oriented towards the natural sciences. Here, the structural composition of functional materials (metals, polymers, glasses/ceramics, semiconductors, composites, plastics) and the resulting technical properties are investigated in an interdisciplinary manner, allowing the production of customized materials with new or improved properties.
However, there are degree courses, especially at Master's level, which combine materials science and material technology or specialize in one group of materials, such as construction materials engineering or polymer science.
What job opportunities are there after graduation?
Materials engineers are employed in industrial research and development, in production, in technical sales and in the public sector (technical inspection associations, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing). Depending on the material, jobs are available in all areas of industry. Examples of relevant sectors include transportation technology, automotive engineering, railroads, aerospace technology, mechanical engineering, chemical industry, environmental technology, energy technology, microelectronics, communications engineering, optical industry, medical technology and monument preservation.
Examples of processing industries with a need for materials engineers include ore mining and metallurgy, the foundry industry, surface finishing companies, steel and light metal construction, the building materials industry and the glass and ceramics industry.